Information on EMT training in NJ for 16 year-olds

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Hi everyone!

I am a sophomore in high school, and I am interested in nursing as a future career. A friend of mine who works as a nurse practitioner mentioned that I could try to get my EMT certification and work as an EMT in the summer to get a feel for the medical field. I will be 16 in a few weeks, the minimum age to be able to take the EMT classes. I read that I will also need to take a prerequisite class for the program, so I plan on taking a BLS class offered through a university in my area.

So my questions for anyone that has worked as an EMT or has any information on the job...

What is the work load for the EMT classes? Is it a smart idea to complete the program during the school year?

What kind of work would a 16 year-old be expected to do?

How rewarding is the experience? Is it a good way to learn more about working in the medical field?

If you worked as an EMT in NJ, do you recommend a certain program or area to work in?

Thanks!

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Specializes in Primary Care, OR.

Hi. I actually conduct physicals for some volunteer firehouses including a few in parts of NJ. maybe I can be of some help. Out by me a minor can join a fire department as a kind of junior volunteer. they do have restrictions, like they can't man the station alone etc. the department will generally pay for you EMT-B, CFR classes. my guys usually go full duty by 18, but I believe as a minor you will usually be a "ride along" and do some assisting. Might be different in jersey, anyone whos been there done that please correct me if I'm wrong. Here's a link to some state specific info. http://www.state.nj.us/health/ems/documents/njac840ar.pdf

8:40A-5.2 Student qualifications

1. Attainment of the age of 16 by the first day of the program;

(a) The requirements for enrollment in, and to receive credit for, an EMT-Basic training

program shall be as follows:

i. Minors enrolled in an EMT-Basic training program shall be subject to the

limitations listed in (b) below:

2. Possession of CPR certification. The student shall maintain CPR certification

throughout the duration of the EMT-Basic training program and until such time

as he or she is either certified as an EMT-Basic or terminated from the EMT-

Basic training program. The student's CPR certification card shall be madeavailable to Department staff upon demand; and

1. Minors shall produce signed parental consent to participate in the program;

N.J.S.A. 34:2-21.17;

ii. Oil, wipe or clean any machinery in motion, inclusive of rescue tools; iii. Utilize any machine that grinds, buffs, or polishes;

vi. Operate and/or maintain any high-pressure hydraulic tool or air bag. © No student shall be:

2. Exposed to, or allowed to participate in, direct firefighting operations.

3. Physical capability to perform all required skills and tasks of an EMT-Basic

student as cited in the program curriculum.

(b) Minors enrolled in an EMT-Basic training program shall be subject to the following

conditions:

2. Minors shall agree to comply with all applicable labor laws, rules and/or

regulations, including, but not limited to,

3. Minors shall agree to comply with all applicable rules regarding attendance,

performance and program examinations; and

4. Minors shall not be permitted to do the following in classes or after certification

until they reach the age of 18

i. Operate power-driven machinery including, but not limited to, fire

apparatus, MAVs, BLS ambulances, MICUs, SCTUs and/or AMUs;

iv. Operate any hoisting equipment, inclusive of chain and cable come-a-

longs;

v. Utilize any torch device utilized to heat, melt or cut metals, including

rescue torches; or

1. Exposed to injurious quantities of any toxic or noxious dust, gases, vapors

and/or fumes; or

(d) Minors shall receive practical skills instruction and shall be permitted to safely

observe any of the skills listed in (b) 4 above.

(e) The training agency shall ensure that the provisions of (b) 4 and © above are strictly

enforced.

I suggest if you live in an area that has volunteer EMT to go the station and talk to them about the possibilities for you. There are usually some nice perks to volunteering at your local FD! Good luck

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Specializes in Complex pedi to LTC/SA & now a manager.

Minors in NJ are generally restricted to volunteer first aid/EMS Paid services (very few are fire dept affiliated, some are municipal, some police dept and some hospital affiliated. Transport services are independent) require you to be 18 due to multiple restrictions on permitting minors to work in the field. You cannot ride as a 2nd as there must be two adults on the ambulance.

A good portion of NJ is still volunteer for BLS. Most counties have an EMS academy. There is still some funding for volunteers to have their training paid for to complete EMT-B training however some squads only release the funds for those over age 18 who can volunteer without restriction.

You can check if your local EMS, first aid or fire department has an explorer unit (minimum age is 13 or 14 for most explorers, 16 for some areas). This would likely be your best option.

The class can be completed in 6 weeks full time or 3-6 months part time and is definitely doable. Part time is usually 6-9 two days a week with some 8-4 Saturdays or Sundays. Mon-oc offers the class but their costs are much higher than county EMS academies. I know Bergen, Ocean. & Monmouth have EMS academies and I'm sure several other states do too.

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Thank you both!

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